Real-time interactive conversational apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a real-time interactive conversational apparatus which operates by playing to a child a prerecorded conversation stored on a multi-track media such as magnetic tape. The system conversations are programmed according to a decision-tree logic which allows complex conversations to be developed, branching between the various tracks of the media being accomplished without the aid of a microprocessor or any coding in the conversation source signal. The information is stored on each track in a plurality of reproducible information segments, which contain interrogatory messages and associated multiple choice responses, responsive messages, informational messages, and combinations thereof. The responsive messages contained on the tracks are related in real-time and content to particular interrogatory messages, and correspond with multiple choice selectable responses. The apparatus can exhibit pseudo-memory and multiple simultaneous pseudo-memories; exhibit profiling and substitutability; and categorize and subcategorize users of the apparatus. The media used by the apparatus are removable so as to allow user selection of cartridges containing differing conversational content.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of my prior U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 727,836, filed Jul. 9, 1991, U.S. Pat. No.5,213,510 entitled "Real-Time Interactive Conversational Toy."

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to interactive systems, and moreparticularly to a real-time interactive conversational apparatus whichexhibits pseudo-memory of conversation responses for an improveddialogue complexity and more realistic conversational performance.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Systems which perform interactive conversation are well known in theart. These systems have used a variety of different techniques toachieve interactive conversation, and have ordinarily had limitedsuccess at conversations which were more than mere simple question andanswer sessions.

For example, commonly owned, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,947,972 and 4,078,316disclose a conversational teaching apparatus which employs a timesynchronized multi-track audio tape to store the educationalconversation messages. It employs one track to relay educationalinterrogatories to a user, and the remainder of the tracks, selectableby a switching mechanism, are used to convey responsive messages.

Other multiple choice child response systems are exemplified by thesystems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,921,385; 3,020,360; 2,826,828;3,623,238; 3,546,791; 3,273,260; 3,665,615; 3,245,157; 3,284,923;3,538,621; 3,477,144; 3,708,891; 3,255,536; 2,777,901; 2,908,767;3,774,316; 3,194,895; 3,484,950; 3,343,280; and 3,763,577, by way ofexample.

Various interactive television systems have also been developed Forexample, commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,925 discloses an interactivecable television system. This system permits computer based memory ofuser input responses over time, and requires a very complex andexpensive apparatus to operate. other examples of interactiveconversation utilizing television may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,602,279; 4,847,700; and 4,264,924, for example. Generally, thesesystems require a separate microprocessor to perform memory functions,they require coding and decoding of the transmitted signal in order tobe utilized, and allow little flexibility to select the content of theinteractive conversations, since the conversation signal is broadcastseparately from outside of the control of the user.

Flexibility and memory-like characteristics are desirable elements foran interactive toy system to participate in a complex interactiveconversation. None of these prior art systems have been able to providereal-time interactive conversation in a toy, where the conversationcomplexity and teaching effectiveness can vary with the individualizedpast responses of the child. Further, without a separate microprocessor,prior systems have been generally unable to exhibit the memory-likecharacteristics which are necessary for a realistic interactiveconversation. Those which do provide memory, do so in only the mostminimal fashion, i.e. recalling particular facts, but unable tointegrate these facts into the course of conversation.

Prior conversational devices are generally impractical for utilizationas toys for children. Those systems which operate on magnetic tapesoffer little conversational complexity because they are generallyrestricted to keeping interrogatories and responses together as a unitand do not enable compiling or accumulation of many interrogatories andresponses. They are not interactive enough to retain the long-termmotivational and educational interests of a child, and are therefore notthe most effective learning tools. Cable and broadcast televisionsystems ordinarily require very complex and expensive apparatus and anumber of dedicated television signals to operate. Since the media usedfor transmitting the conversation is out of the control of the user(i.e. the program is shown at a scheduled time), rather than one whichis removable and replaceable, the cable systems also offer little userflexibility in the content and scheduling of interactive conversationavailable to participate in.

These disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a real-time interactive conversationalapparatus which operates by playing to a child a prerecordedconversation stored on a multi-track media such as magnetic tape.Contained on the various tracks of the media are a series of relatedquestions, answers and informative messages which are recorded in apresynchronized manner. In response to questions, the child switchesbetween the tracks of the tape by activating a multiple choice switchwhich corresponds with the multiple choice responses to the question.The track selected will contain a message corresponding in context withthe child's multiple choice response to the interrogatories. Thus, thesystem of the present invention appears to be conversing with the childby asking questions, and then by apparently fostering discussion basedupon the responses by the child.

The system may ask information gathering questions, such as age, sex,locality, and use this information to categorize the child. The systemof the present invention may then engage the child in conversation withmessages related to the child's category. The system can furthersubcategorize children, i.e. boy under 5 years old, and provide thesubcategories each with real-time interactive conversation related tothe subcategories. The flexibility of the system is limited only by thenumber of tracks available. By altering the content of the machine-childconversation in response to conversational inputs of child, the PG,6machine actually exhibits memory and is participating in theconversation, and therefore provides a more realistic, enjoyable andeffective learning experience. Because of the combinations that can beafforded by this invention, a child who, for example, answers 10questions in a row (producing 10,000 possible outcomes) can receiveindividualized reinforcement. For example, there was only one possiblecorrect sets out of potentially 10,000 which the apparatus identifies ascorrect and advises the child of these correct choices. The apparatuscan also advise the child of the details of the correct responses byrepeating the correct responses that the child made.

The system conversations are programmed according to a decision-treelogic which allows very complex conversations to be developed, allwithin the confines of a multi-track media, and without the aid of amicroprocessor or any coding in the conversation source signal tocontrol branching. As indicated above, the machine can engage inconversation particularly suited for a child based upon responses toinformational questions. The system can also track trends in the child'sperformance in answering questions, and then provide reinforcement orencouragement to the child. Also in response to trends in the child'sperformance, the machine can ask easier or more difficult questions asnecessary. All of the logic to perform these functions is determined inadvance by the decision tree and recorded onto the entirely passivemedia.

By appropriate decision-tree design, the system can provide customizedconversation to each of more than one child at a time. Each child mayreceive an individualized conversational response depending on themultiple choice selection made by the child in response to questions.

The interactive toy of the present invention comprises a multitrackstorage media, preferably magnetic, having a plurality of synchronizedcoextensive tracks capable of storing the conversational content. Thesystem also includes a multi-track playback means, for simultaneouslyreproducing the stored information from each of the tracks; a multiplechoice selection means, such as magnetic proximity switches, orconventional push button switches, operatively connected to the playbackmeans for directly selecting one of the tracks and playing back itsstored information; and audio output means, such as a conventionalloudspeaker or earphones, operatively connected to the playback meansfor producing as an output the track information selected by themultiple choice switching means. By including a plurality of multiplechoice selection means, one per child, connected in parallel to thecommon playback means with each selection means having an associatedoutput device, such as earphones, the system may be configured for useby a large number of children simultaneously, different childrenparticipating in individually tailored conversations simultaneously.

In operation, the multi-track storage media, which contains aconversational content as described below, has all of its tracks playedback simultaneously by the playback means. In response to questionshaving multiple choice responses associated with particular tracks, achild will switch the multiple choice selection means to a particulartrack associated with the selection, thereby directing the informationon the selected track to the output means. Thus, only a single selectedchannel will be output at a given time, the content of which is theinteractive conversation.

The information is stored on each track in a plurality of reproducibleinformation segments, each of which comprises a complete messagereproducible by the playback head directly in response to the selectionof the track upon which the segments are stored. Each of the informationsegments on the tracks contain interrogatory messages and associatedmultiple choice responses, responsive messages, informational messages,and combinations thereof. Each of the tracks are preferably of the samewidth. The responsive messages contained on the tracks are related inreal-time and content to particular interrogatory messages, andcorrespond to the multiple choice selectable responses.

The media used by the toy of the present invention are removable by theuser so as to allow user selection of cartridges containing differingconversational content to be removably inserted into the playback means.This feature permits the apparatus great flexibility by allowing a widevariety of conversations to be stored on a library of tapes for use bychildren. A variety of conversations will retain the long term interestof children, and increase the educational value of the presentinvention. The labels on the multiple choice selection buttons may alsobe changed and the system may be used in conjunction with an associatedbook containing pictures or text. These features add to the variety ofuses which the system of the present invention may be used for.

The decision-tree architecture of the present invention allows complex,well-timed, cumulative conversations to be implemented on the storagemedia. Each track, at discrete times, is represented as a node on thetree, consecutive nodes representing a single track at different orderedtimes throughout the program. Parallel nodes represent the varioustracks at each particular time. Branches on the tree represent themultiple choice selections to interrogatories which would cause thedifferent tracks to be read, and require messages on the selected trackto contain messages related to the particular multiple choice selection.

The decision-tree logic permits a visual verification of conversationalparameters, to properly synchronize the interrelationships betweensuccessive segments of conversation, and to assure logical continuitybetween these segments. By seamlessly crossing between parallel tracksof predetermined conversation in response to multiple choice inputs, thesystem appears to be engaged in an actual conversation with the child.By appropriate design the system can exhibit pseudo-memory; exhibitmultiple simultaneous pseudo-memories, carry the various memoriesthroughout the program; engage in interactive conversations related tothe content of the various pseudo-memories; categorize and subcategorizeusers of the apparatus and engage in particularized conversations withinthe various categories can give reinforcing or encouraging messages inresponse to correct and incorrect answers; can correct children who didnot follow instructions properly; do mathematics; make subsequentquestions easier or more difficult in response to correct and incorrectanswers; identify subject areas in which the child needs improvement andprovide conversation accordingly, and many other possible alternatives.

The system of the present invention provides a more comprehensiveinteractive conversational apparatus than previously possible. Prior artdesigns of similar simplicity were incapable of conversations having themany features of the conversations of the present invention, especiallytailored responses, long-term memory functions, cumulative memoryfunctions, profiling, substitutability, and removable, replaceablemedia. The decision-tree design of the toy of the present inventionmakes the system directly responsive to conversational responses by thechild, giving the child a more realistic impression that interactiveconversation is occurring, and therefore improving its utility as a toy,teaching aid, or other conversational apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration, partially in schematic, of theselection and playback portions of the interactive conversational toy ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of the decision-tree corresponding withexample 1.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the decision-tree corresponding withexample 2.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the decision-tree corresponding withexample 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings in detail, and initially to FIG. 1, themechanism of the real-time interactive conversational apparatus of thepresent invention is generally similar to that disclosed in commonlyowned U.S. Pat. No. 3,947,972. A conventional multi-track magnetic tapeplayer 2 is utilized for retrieving audio information from a multi-trackmagnetic storage media 4 via multi-track playback head 6.

The playback head 6 is preferably connected in conventional fashion to aconventional four channel audio amplifier 8, having one channel for eachof the respective four tracks, A, B, C, D of multi-track tape 4 so as toconventionally play back the information stored on the respective audiotracks. Playback head 6 is preferably a conventional 4 channel audioplayback head, with preferably equal head widths for each of therespective tracks A, B, C, D. If desired, four-channel amplifier 8 canbe replaced with a single channel amplifier which is switched to amplifythe actual track selected at any given time.

The output of audio amplifier 8 is preferably connected to a multiplechoice selection device 10 which preferably comprises a plurality ofconventional switches 12, with one switch being provided per track ofmulti-track tape 4. Each of these switches 12 is conventionallyconnected to the appropriate channel output of audio amplifier 8. Theswitches 12 are preferably conventional mechanical, magnetic orelectronic switches which are equipped with an interlock so that onlyone switch may be depressed or activated at one time. Switches 12 arepreferably connected between the output of the audio amplifier 8 and aconventional audio output device, such as a conventional speaker 14, ora conventional pair of earphones 16 through a conventional volumecontrol 18, the other terminal of the audio output device 14 or 16 beingconnected to the audio amplifier 8 to complete the circuit. Thus, whenone of switches 12 is closed, the output of the corresponding audiotrack A, B, C or D, all of which are being provided to audio amplifier 8by multi-track playback head 6, is selectively provided to the audiooutput device 14 or 16 to be heard by the child. Accordingly, asdescribed in greater detail hereinafter, if interrogatory messages, suchas true/false or multiple choice questions with information instructionsto the child to select the appropriate responsive message track A, B, C,or D are contained on any of the tracks A, B, C, or D of multi-tracktape 4, and the student determines that track D contains the correctanswer, he then actuates the switch 12 corresponding with track D tocomplete the circuit between the D channel of audio amplifier 8 and theaudio output device 14 or 16 and he will receive the audio responsemessages contained on track D. If desired, the present invention may besimultaneously utilized by a plurality of children if configured asdisclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 3,947,972.

The multi-track tape 4 is preferably removable from the playback means 2so that different multi-track tapes 4 having different interactiveconversations stored thereon may be inserted and used in the toy of thepresent invention. This makes it possible to record a library ofprerecorded media, covering a wide array of topics. For example, asdescribed below, the media might contain mathematics problems atdifferent levels, multiple choice trivia questions, learning exercises,or even interactive story telling. The removable media are preferablymulti-track magnetic tape cartridges, but may be any removablemulti-track media such as, for example, magnetic disk, optical disk, orother media appropriate for the present application. These removablemulti-track tapes should preferably be contained in rigid cartridges forconvenient removal and replacement.

The apparatus of the present invention may comprise other embodiments.Rather than utilizing a multi-track magnetic tape, without anymicroprocessor, the system might use any appropriate data storage meansfor containing the various conversational messages employed by thesystem, provided that the information stored thereon may be separatedinto tracks. For example, a conventional magnetic disk, CD or otheroptical disk, or even hardware, such as a ROM or EPROM, could be used tostore the information. The information data could be physically storedon individual disk tracks, or the data could be organized so that eachtrack of information is randomly accessible as separable files on thedisk. In conjunction with a disk reader appropriate for the type of diskdrive in use, the information stored on the disk as individualconversational tracks could be output to a user of the system in nearreal-time fashion.

In practice, in such an instance, it would be advantageous for amicroprocessor to be provided for the purpose of first reading thevarious tracks into a memory cache, which would allow faster access tothe conversational information. Thus, during operation in this instance,the microprocessor would read the serial track information from the diskinto parallel tracks in cache memory in advance, while substantiallysimultaneously reading the track data from cache to memory to an outputdevice. As the cache memory were depleted, it would be refilled fromdisk by the processor. The microprocessor would only be used in thisinstance to control the various peripheral devices of the system, i.e.the multiple choice selection means, disk access, video output. Ashereinafter described, the present invention exhibits a pseudo-memoryduring the interactive conversations. The microprocessor in the aboveexample, is not used to perform any of the logical memory functionswithin a conversation, but rather these are achieved as in the previousembodiment by the unique techniques for storage information on themulti-track storage media as described below.

Output to the user could be by various devices, depending on the type ofmedia used. For example, if the stored conversations on the multi-trackmedia were in digital form, i.e. CD-ROM, magnetic disc, DAT, theprocessor or other means could convert the digital information streamsto analog signals for output to conventional headphones. Alternatively,the conversational stream could contain video as well as audio signals.The computer would therefore generate the appropriate video and audiosignals. It is anticipated that the interactive toy system of thepresent invention could employ a large variety of multi-media inputs andoutputs as such technologies develop. It is further anticipated that anystorage means capable of storing and substantially simultaneouslyretrieving conversational data could be employed by the presentinvention. Whatever multi-track device is employed, it should preferablycontain one track for each of the number of tracks to be used in theinteractive conversation. In a preferred embodiment, four equalbandwidth tracks are used. As described below, it may be advantageous toutilize a larger number of tracks to obtain more complex conversationsand to exhibit more sophisticated memory type functions.

Multiple choice input may be provided by any appropriate device toselect a channel of the conversation for output. If a microprocessor andcomputer were in use, the multiple choice inputs could be provided via akeyboard or even a touch screen that interrupts to the processor. Theselected channel would then be routed to the output device in use. Forexample, a conventional computer could be used for the presentinvention. The information streams might be interlaced video and audiosignals, the multiple choice input might be the keys on the keyboard,and output would be simultaneous to the monitor and audio amplifier.

If it were desired that the system be usable by only one child at atime, the four channel audio amplifier could be replaced by aconventional one channel amplifier which amplifies only the one selectedchannel. As described below, it might also be desired to allow more thanone multiple choice selection button to be pressed at one time to allowmixing of the information on the various channels. Such an embodimentwould, for example, allow the apparatus of the present invention tocreate different variations of a piece of music in response to variousmultiple choice selections of the child.

The information is stored on each track in a plurality of reproducibleinformation segments, each of which comprises a complete messagereproducible by the playback head directly in response to the selectionof the track upon which the segments are stored. Each of the informationsegments on the various tracks contain interrogatory messages withassociated multiple choice responses, responsive messages, informationalmessages, or combinations thereof. The messages contained on the varioustracks of the multi-track media may include responsive messages,informational messages, interrogatory messages or combination thereofwhose contents are related in real-time to particular interrogatorymessages, and correspond to the multiple choice selectable responses tothe particular interrogatory messages.

The various information segments on the various tracks relate inreal-time and content so that an interactive conversation can occur asthe media is played back and the child responds to the variousinterrogatories on the tracks. As a child answers a particularinterrogatory with a multiple choice response, the information on thetrack associated with the particular selection is routed to the outputdevice. On the selected track at the time at which the selectionoccurred, is an information segment whose content corresponds with theselected response to the previous interrogatory, whether or not theinterrogatory was on the same track as the information segment beingoutput. The various interrogatories, responsive messages, andinformational messages may generally be contained on any or all of thevarious tracks provided that they are synchronized properly so as toretain a timed relationship, and correspond properly with logic of thedecision-tree as defined hereinafter.

In order to understand the real-time conversational responsiveenvironment of the present invention, and to compare it to prior systemsof limited conversational complexity, several sample real-timeinteractive conversations are illustrated below.

Example 1 illustrates an interactive conversation which will give achild a reward if three questions in a row are answered correctly. Inthis example, a four channel media is used, and the multiple choiceresponse buttons would be labelled "A", "B", "C", "D" corresponding withthe four channels 1, 2, 3 and 4. Thus, if multiple choice selection "C"were made, the contents of channel 3 would be output to the outputdevice. By using a combination of "generic wrongs" whose answers cannotbe traced back to a particular response, and by limiting the number ofdirected choices, it is possible to control the sequence of questions insuch a way as to address the child who answers all three questionscorrectly. At the conclusion of the first question, every response isspecific, and may be traced to a particular response. None of theanswers is generic. At the conclusion of the second question, theanswers are both specific and have perfect memory of the results offirst two questions. After the final question, three of the branches aregeneric wrongs, and one branch, channel 4 is reserved for the child whoanswered all three questions correctly. This logic could be extended toencompass four or more correct answers. Theoretically, it is limitedonly by the amount of available storage media.

                  EXAMPLE 1                                                       ______________________________________                                        CHANNEL                                                                       1        CHANNEL 2   CHANNEL 3   CHANNEL 4                                    "A"      "B"         "C"         "D"                                          ______________________________________                                        I will now                                                                             Same as     Same as     Same as                                      ask you 3                                                                              Channel 1.  Channel 1.  Channel 1                                    animal                                                                        questions in                                                                  a row. If                                                                     you answer                                                                    all 3                                                                         questions                                                                     correctly,                                                                    I'll tell                                                                     you a joke                                                                    Here we                                                                       go . . . What                                                                 animal can                                                                    make no                                                                       sound at                                                                      all? Press                                                                    "A" for                                                                       chicken, "B"                                                                  for horse,                                                                    "C" for                                                                       giraffe, and                                                                  "D" for                                                                       tiger.                                                                        Press now!                                                                    SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         No, a    No, a horse Yes, you    No, a tiger                                  chicken does                                                                           does make a have pressed                                                                              does make a                                  make a   sound, and  the correct sound, and                                   sound, and                                                                             it sounds   button.     it sounds                                    it sounds                                                                              like this:  Congratula- like this:                                   like this:                                                                             (SFX). The  tions. A    (SFX). The                                   (SFX). The                                                                             answer was  giraffe     answer was                                   answer was                                                                             giraffe.    makes no    graffe.                                      giraffe. Question #2 sound. Good Question #2                                  Question #2                                                                            is a        work.       is a                                         is a     true/false  Question #2 true/false                                   true/false                                                                             question:   is a        question:                                    question:                                                                              True or     true/false  True or                                      True or  false - a   question:   false - A                                    false - a                                                                              penguin has True or     penguin has                                  penguin has                                                                            wings but   false - a   wings but                                    wings but                                                                              can not fly.                                                                              penguin has can not fly.                                 can not fly.                                                                           Press "A"   wings but   Press "A"                                    Press "A"                                                                              for true,   can not fly.                                                                              for true and                                 for true,                                                                              and "B" for Press "C"   "B" for                                      and "B" for                                                                            false. Do   for true    false. Do                                    false. Do                                                                              it now, if  and "D" for it now, if                                   it now.  you would.  false. Do   you would.                                                        it now, if                                                                    you would.                                               SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         I see you                                                                              You did     You didn't  I am very                                    had trouble                                                                            better on   do as well  impressed.                                   on this  this second on this     You are                                      question,                                                                              question.   second      right, and                                   also. What                                                                             Your brain  question.   have                                         a shame. is starting The         answered 2                                   Believe it                                                                             to function statement   questions in                                 or not, the                                                                            well. It is was true.   a row                                        statement I                                                                            true.       Penguins can                                                                              correctly.                                   made earlier                                                                           Penguins    not fly.    One more                                     is true, can't fly.  They do not correct                                      Penguins             even try.   answer and                                   can't fly.           They know   I'll give                                                         they'd just you a joke.                                                       fall down.                                               Here is your                                                                           Same as     Same as     Here is your                                 third and                                                                              Channel 1.  Channel 1   third and                                    final                            final question:                              question:                        What is the                                  What is the                      largest                                      largest                          mammal?                                      mammal?                          Press "C"                                    Press "A"                        for                                          for                              elephant,                                    elephant,                        and "D" for                                  and "B" for                      a whale.                                     a whale.                         Press now!                                   Press now!                                                                    SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         I'm sorry,                                                                             You are     I'm sorry,  This is                                      but the  correct, the                                                                              but the     truly                                        answer was a                                                                           answer is a answer was  amazing:                                     whale, not                                                                             whale. That whale, not  (SFX). You                                   an elephant.                                                                           is a very   an elephant.                                                                              are right                                    You did not                                                                            good answer,                                                                              It is too   and not only                                 get three                                                                              as most     bad that you                                                                              that, you've                                 questions in                                                                           people      got this    answered all                                 a row right,                                                                           forget that third       3 animal                                     so you do                                                                              whales are  question    questions                                    not get a                                                                              mammals.    wrong after correctly,                                   joke.    Unfortuna-  answering   so here is                                   Better luck                                                                            tely, though,                                                                             the first   your joke:                                   next time.                                                                             you did not two animal  What                                         That last                                                                              get all     questions   happened to                                  questions                                                                              three       correctly.  the duck who                                 was tricky,                                                                            questions   I am afraid flew upside                                  because many                                                                           right, so   I can not   down? He                                     people think                                                                           you do not  tell you the                                                                              quacked up!                                  whales are                                                                             get a joke. joke, even  (Laughter)                                   fish,    I am sorry, though two  then he ate                                  because they                                                                           but rules   out of three                                                                              some cheese                                  live in the                                                                            are rules.  is not bad. and                                          water. But                       quackers.                                    whales are                       (Laughter).                                  mammals.                                                                      (END)    (END)       (END)       (END)                                        ______________________________________                                    

While it appears to the child that the system is remembering theprevious answers, the memory in use is more properly termed apseudo-memory because nothing is actually being stored in memory.Rather, the branching logic used to develop the conversation included alogical pathway reserved for no incorrect answers. Therefore, messagesalong the pathway correspond in content with the fact that no incorrectanswers were given. As long as the child's responses to the series ofinterrogatories corresponded with the reserved pathway, messages with acontent that appeared to contain memory were played back.

A decision-tree is used to determine the proper logical relation betweenthe various tracks and the various information segments containedthereon in order to implement pseudo-memory and other features whichprovide conversation complexity, and to assure proper timing andsynchronization of the information. The decision-tree is a visual andlogical representation of a complex conversation whereby it is possibleto trace branching from track-to-track in response to interrogatories,and it is easier to provide customized messages to certain childrenresponsive to the content of their responses to certain questions.

Indicated in FIG. 2 is the decision-tree corresponding with example 1.The decision-tree contains a representation of each track at particularbranch points during the course of a conversation. A branch point isordinarily a time during the playing of the tape at which the child isasked to make a multiple choice selection. In example 1, branch pointscorrespond with the segments reading "SELECTION TIME."

Each node on the tree represents the information segment on a particulartrack between branch points. Four nodes, A, B, C, D, are shown at eachlevel, corresponding to the four tracks used in the example. Each nodeis represented at each branch point, the branches on the treerepresenting the multiple choice selections for each particularinterrogatory. Each discrete time frame containing a differentinformation segment is a different level on the tree. Each trackcontains successive nodes corresponding to the successive informationsegments of the conversation. The decision-tree is a useful visual toolfor assuring proper synchronization of messages across the varioustracks over time, as well as being a useful tool for assuring logicalcontinuity. As will be further illustrated in other examples, use of thedecision-tree and the special logical pathways can enable apseudo-memory to be provided for the entire length of a completeinteractive scenario, such as by requiring a child to answer 12questions in a row correctly in order to go on to the next aspect of theextended complete scenario, such as by separating the users into twocategories; namely, all correct and everything else. Moreover, codewords may be used which are associated with certain tracks so that, at asubsequent time, the child can use its knowledge of the code word tomake a choice which is dependent thereon, thereby providing what appearsto be a long term memory capability. Apart from these examples of"memory" functions, other features of the present invention will beillustrated below in the following examples.

Referring now to FIG. 3, four nodes A, B, C, D are shown at each levelcorresponding to the four tracks in the preferred embodiment. Each nodeis representative of the message contained on the corresponding track atthe discrete time represented by the level number. Level 0 wouldrepresent the first message on each track, with subsequent levels 1, 2,and 3 representative of subsequently ordered frames. Each level offrames on the various tracks must be timed to begin and end atapproximately the same time. If one frame were longer in time thanothers, it would be necessary to fill the gap in the remaining brancheswith filler messages. Filler messages may take any appropriate form,which may include music, a message telling the child to "Please Wait",or even a temporary quiet in the conversation. Not every track need havea branch point at the same time. Therefore it is possible that only aportion of the nodes will branch at a particular time.

The various branches from each node represent the possible selectionchoices offered to the child. Thus node A0 has branches to nodes A1, B1,C1, and D1 which correspond to the choices offered in example 1, channel1, first message. In this example, choice C contains the correctresponse, therefore node C1 may include encouraging messages appropriatefor a correct response. This node might also include a more difficultsecond question. Nodes A, B, and D, which represent incorrect answersmight include encouraging messages, and perhaps easier questions.Messages such as given by example 1, second frame are indicative of suchpreferred language.

Since example 1 demonstrates use of the apparatus of the presentinvention for giving a child a reward for correctly answering 3questions in a row, it becomes clear that only node C1 is on thatpathway at level 1. Since there are only four nodes, the second questionmay only have two choices if separate pathways are to be maintained forpersons who have only answered questions correctly and those witherrors. Therefore, at level 2, nodes A and B are used for those childrenwith incorrect answers, wrongs, and nodes C and D are reserved for childwho answered the first question correctly. These nodes correspond withthe multiple choices given to children in example 1, Frame 2. At level3, only node D is reserved for children with no wrongs. Nodes A, B, andC remain reserved for children in the other category. By tracing theprogression of the branches down the tree, all possible outcomes of aseries of questions may be determined, and informational messages andresponsive messages appropriate for their context may be recorded.

Any ordinary branches or series of consecutive branches are termed apathway. Special pathways are used to distinguish series of brancheswhich represent particular responses to particular interrogatories, andtherefore contain at least one piece of pseudo-memory. Nodes on thespecial pathway might contain information demonstrating memory-likefunctions if desired. For FIG. 2, a special pathway exists along thepath between nodes C1 - D2 - D3, since these exhibit full path recall.Other nodes exhibit certain recall functions as well. Node A2 can recalltwo wrong answers, but not the precise pathway, while node B2corresponds with a wrong followed by a right answer, with no recallablepathway.

For example, if a point on the tapes corresponding to node B2 were to beplayed, this would indicate that the child received one incorrect answerfollowed by a correct one. Thus a message stressing improvement might beplayed. Since node A2 corresponds with two incorrect answers, words ofencouragement might be recorded at this node. If desired, and if trackswere available, it might be desirable to provide persons at this nodewith easier questions.

The decision-tree provides a highly efficient method for planningcomplex conversations. The complexity of conversations which utilizemultiple choice interrogatories is limited only by the number of tracksavailable. Once a piece of information is stored in the pseudo-memory,it requires only one channel to remain fully recallable. To then askquestions while maintaining the information will require a number ofchannels corresponding to the number of multiple choice selections to bemade available. When no interrogatories are being given, each memoryrequires only one channel.

Example 2 demonstrates use of the system of the present invention forcategorizing children based upon a response to a particularinterrogatory, then providing the each category with independenttailored interactive conversation. In this example, the children arecategorized by age, with children under 5 participating in aninteractive conversation tailored for their age group, and children over5 participating in a completely separate conversation.

                  EXAMPLE 2                                                       ______________________________________                                        CHANNEL                                                                       1        CHANNEL 2   CHANNEL 3   CHANNEL 4                                    "QUESTION"                                                                             "A"         "B"         "C"                                          ______________________________________                                        If you are                                                                             Same as     Same as     Same as                                      under 5  Channel 1   Channel 1   Channel 1                                    years old,                                                                    press A; if                                                                   your are 5                                                                    years old or                                                                  older, press                                                                  button B.                                                                     Press now                                                                     SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         You made a                                                                             Thank you.  THANK YOU.  I DIDN'T                                     mistake. I                                                                             I now know  I'M PLEASED TELL YOU                                     Guess you're                                                                           you are     TO KNOW     TO PUSH                                      under 5. under 5     YOU'RE 5 OR THIS BUT-                                    Here is a                                                                              years old.  OLDER. YOU  TON, SO I'LL                                 special  Here is a   MUST BE IN  ASSUME                                       program for                                                                            special     SCHOOL BY   YOU MEANT                                    children of                                                                            program for NOW! I HAVE TO TELL ME                                   your age.                                                                              children    A SPECIAL   THAT YOU                                     How many your age    PROGRAM     ARE 5 OR                                     fingers do                                                                             How many    FOR YOU     OLDER. I                                     you have?                                                                              fingers do  SCHOOL-     HAVE A                                       Push A if                                                                              you have?   AGE-        SPECIAL                                      you think                                                                              Push A if   CHILDREN,   PROGRAM                                      you have 7;                                                                            you think   AND WE      FOR YOU                                      push B for                                                                             you have 7; CAN BEGIN   SCHOOL-                                      10; or C for                                                                           push B for  IT IF YOU   AGE                                          15, now. 10; or C for                                                                              PUSH THE    CHILDREN,                                             15, now.    QUESTION    AND WE                                                            BUTTON,     CAN BEGIN                                                         NOW.        IT IF                                                                         YOU PUSH                                                                      THE                                                                           QUESTION                                                                      BUTTON,                                                                       NOW.                                         SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         OK. How  Uh oh, only That's      Uh oh, 15?                                   many states                                                                            7? I think  right, 10   You're wrong -                               are in the                                                                             you         fingers!    the                                          United   miscounted. You found   answer is                                    States?  The answer  each and    10. Let's                                    Push A for                                                                             is 10.      every one!  continue. I                                  25; B for                                                                              Please push Please push want you to                                  46, or push                                                                            the         the         please push                                  C for 50,                                                                              QUESTION    QUESTION    the                                          now!     button now! button now! QUESTION                                                                      button, now                                  SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         Here is your                                                                           OH NO. YOU  OH NO. YOU  TERRIFIC                                     next     THINK       THINK       YOU KNOW                                     question,                                                                              THERE ARE   THERE ARE   THAT THERE                                   and it's ONLY 25     ONLY 46     ARE 50                                       special  STATES!     STATES?     STATES IN                                    because I                                                                              ACTUALLY,   ACTUALLY,   THE UNITED                                   know you're                                                                            THERE ARE   THERE ARE   STATES! I'M                                  5 years old.                                                                           50. I       50. I       SO GLAD                                      Who is   THOUGHT     THOUGHT     FOR SURE                                     Mickey   YOU WOULD   YOU WOULD   YOU WOULD                                    Mouse's  KNOW THAT   KNOW THAT,  KNOW THAT,                                   girlfriend?                                                                            SINCE YOU   SINCE YOU   SINCE YOU                                    Push A for                                                                             ARE 5       ARE 5       ARE 5                                        Minnie, B                                                                              YEARS OLD   YEARS OLD   YEARS OLD                                    for Lucy, or                                                                           OR OLDER.   OR OLDER.   OR OLDER.                                    push C for                                                                             LET'S       LET'S       GREAT JOB.                                   Mabel, now!                                                                            CONTINUE.   CONTINUE.   LET'S                                                 PLEASE      PLEASE      CONTINUE.                                             PUSH THE    PUSH THE    PLEASE                                                QUESTION    QUESTION    PUSH THE                                              BUTTON,     BUTTON,     QUESTION                                              NOW.        NOW.        BUTTON,                                                                       NOW.                                         SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         I JUST   Minnie is   Lucy is     Mabel is                                     LOVE     absolutely  wrong -     wrong -                                      ASKING   right!      it's Minnie!                                                                              it's Minnie                                  YOU      Here's      Here's      Here's                                       QUES-    another     another     another                                      TIONS!   question:   question:   question:                                    HERE'S   Where does  Where does  Where does                                   ANOTHER: milk come   milk come   milk come                                    WHAT     from? Push  from? Push  from? Push                                   MAKES A  the         the         the                                          RAINBOW? QUESTION    QUESTION    QUESTION                                     PUSH C IF                                                                              button if   button if   button if                                    YOU THE  you think it                                                                              you think it                                                                              you think it                                 SKY AND  comes from a                                                                              comes from a                                                                              comes from a                                 THE MOON cow, or push                                                                              cow, or push                                                                              cow, or push                                 MAKE IT, A if it     A if it     A if it                                      OR PUSH D                                                                              comes from a                                                                              comes from a                                                                              comes from a                                 IF YOU   horse, now. horse, now. horse, now.                                  THINK THE                                                                     SUN AND                                                                       RAIN                                                                          MAKE                                                                          RAINBOWS,                                                                     NOW.                                                                          SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         Wow! You Hee hee.    NO, NOT THE I'M SO                                       know that                                                                              Milk comes  SKY AND     HAPPY YOU                                    milk comes                                                                             from horses?                                                                              THE MOON.   KNOW THAT                                    from cows.                                                                             No silly,   SINCE       THE SUN                                      You are very                                                                           the milk we YOU'RE 5 OR AND RAIN                                     smart for                                                                              drink comes OLDER,      MAKE                                         someone who                                                                            from cows.  YOU         RAINBOWS -                                   is younger                                                                             I' ll forgive                                                                             SHOULD      BUT SINCE                                    than 5 years                                                                           you, since  KNOW THAT   YOU'RE 5 OR                                  old . . .                                                                              you are not RAINBOWS    OLDER, IT                                             even 5      ARE MADE    WAS A VERY                                            yet . . .   BY THE SUN  EASY                                                              AND         QUESTION                                                          RAIN . . .  FOR YOU TO                                                                    ANSWER . . .                                 ______________________________________                                    

This is Made possible by properly timing and synchronizing the tracks ofthe tape. FIG. 3 shows a decision-tree corresponding with example 2. Theprogram for each of the categories is alternated between the channels sothat the program for children under 5, written in lower case, shareschannel space with the program written for children 5 and over, writtenin upper case. Each program remains completely independent.

Since just one channel is necessary to maintain a memory of the child'sage, the remaining channels may be used in different configurations. Atlevel 2, the first channel, labeled "QUESTION" is reserved to recall theage of the children over 5 category, while the remaining channels areused to ask 3 response multiple choice questions. At level 4, twochannels are reserved for each category, allowing simultaneous twoanswer questions to be given to children in each category. If desirable,3 categories could be maintained on 4 channels, while still asking 2answer multiple choice questions of the child.

Configured as in this example, the system exhibits a "vertical memory"throughout a program. At any time during the program, it is known if thechild is under 5 years of age, or older than 5. By stating this fact attimes throughout the program, the appearance is created that the toyexhibits memory. This method can be used to recall information on thechild's sex, whether the child knows how to ride a bicycle, whether thechild lives in the country, or any other information with 2 possibleanswers.

As demonstrated in example 2, the questions can be tailored to thechild's categorical information, or the same questions may be used whenit is only desirable to create the impression of memory. If desired, atvarious times during the conversation, the content of the apparentmemory may be changed. For example, the age memory used in example 2 maybe changed to a gender memory (boy/girl) or any other such information,thereby simulating more complex conversation. Thus, the system may beused for profiling of children, wherein a conversation is created whichcontains a segment, segments or an entire program selectively geared tothe specific information in the pseudomemory. Since the information inthe memory is changeable, the system may substitute additional or newinformation given by the child into the stream of conversation. Example3 demonstrates use of the system of the present invention to providememory, cumulative memory, time-alternating, profiling andsubstitutability. FIG. 4 shows the decision-tree corresponding withexample 3.

                  EXAMPLE 3                                                       ______________________________________                                        CHANNEL                                                                       1        CHANNEL 2   CHANNEL 3   CHANNEL 4                                    "A"      "B"         "C"         "D"                                          ______________________________________                                        If you are a                                                                           Same as     Same as     Same as                                      girl press                                                                             Channel 1   Channel 1   Channel 1                                    A, a boy                                                                      press B.                                                                      SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         I see you                                                                              I see you   You are     Same as                                      indicated                                                                              indicated   confused. I Channel 3                                    you are a                                                                              you are a                                                            girl.    boy.                                                                 If you live                                                                            Ok, little                                                           in the   boy. I now                                                           country  have a                                                               press A, question for                                                         suburbs  you, but                                                             press B or                                                                             first I need                                                         city press                                                                             you to press                                                         C. Press button D for                                                         now.     me now.                                                              SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         Thank you.                                                                             Thank you.  Thank you.  Thanks                                       I now know                                                                             I now know  I now know  little boy.                                  you are a                                                                              you are a   you are a   Let,s sing a                                 little girl                                                                            little girl little girl                                              who lives in                                                                           who lives in                                                                              who lives in                                             the country                                                                            the suburbs.                                                                              a city.                                                  (Specific                                                                              (Same as    (Same as    (Filler)                                     information,                                                                           Channel 1   Channel 1                                                songs, poems                                                                           but specific                                                                              but specific                                             etc., for                                                                              to girl who to girl who                                              girl who lives in    lives in                                                 lives in suburbs)    city)                                                    country)                                                                      OK little                                                                              Same as     Same as     I now have a                                 girl, that                                                                             Channel 1   Channel 1   question for                                 was fun.                         you. If you                                  Please press                     live in the                                  a button for                     country,                                     me. Press                        Press A,                                     button D for                     Suburbs B,                                   me now                           or City                                                                       press C now.                                 SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         I now know                                                                             I now know  I now know  Thank you                                    you are a                                                                              you are a   you are a   little girl.                                 boy who  boy who     boy who                                                  lives in the                                                                           lives in the                                                                              lives in a  (Specific                                    country. suburbs.    city.       material for                                                                  girls)                                       Specific Specific    (Specific                                                material for                                                                           material for                                                                              material for                                                                              I would now                                  boys who boys who    boys who    like to know                                 live in the                                                                            lives in    live in     your age.                                    country) suburbs)    the city)   If you are                                                                    under 5                                      Thank you.                                                                             Same as     Same A      years old                                    That was Channel 1   Channel 1   press A,                                     fun - I                          between 5                                    hope you                         and 10 press                                 liked it.                        B, over 10                                   Press button                     press C.                                     D now.                           Press now.                                   SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SELECTION   SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         I now know                                                                             I now know  I now know  OK little                                    you are a                                                                              you are a   you are a   boy.                                         girl under 5                                                                           girl between                                                                              girl over 10                                                                              (Filler                                      years old.                                                                             5 and 10    years old.  material for                                          years old.              boys)                                                                         I now have a                                                                  question for                                 (Specific                                                                              (Specific   (Specific   you. I'd                                     material for                                                                           material for                                                                              material for                                                                              like to know                                 girl under 5                                                                           girl between                                                                              girl over 5 your age.                                    years old)                                                                             5 and 10    years old)  If you are                                            years old)              under 5                                                                       years old                                                                     Press A.                                                                      Between 5                                                                     and 10 press                                 I now need                                                                             Same as     Same as     B. Over 10                                   you to do                                                                              Channel 1   Channel 1   years old                                    something.                       press C.                                     Press button                                                                  SE-                                                                           LECTION  SELECTION   SECTION     SELECTION                                    TIME     TIME        TIME        TIME                                         I now know                                                                             I now know  I now know  Thanks,                                      you are a                                                                              you are a   you are a   little girl.                                 boy who is                                                                             boy between boy over 10                                              under 5  5 and -0    years old.                                               years old.                                                                             years old.                                                           (Specific                                                                              (Specific   (Specific   (Specific                                    material for                                                                           material for                                                                              material for                                                                              material for                                 boys under 5                                                                           boys between                                                                              boys over 10                                                                              girls) . . .                                 years old)                                                                             5 and 10    years old)                                               . . .    . . .       . . .                                                    ______________________________________                                    

As shown in Example 4, the apparatus of the present invention may beused for a child to change the content of prerecorded music in responseto multiple choice responses. The music for the song exists on all fourchannels, but each channel has a different content, i.e. differentmusical instruments, different singer(s). As the song progresses, thechild can select different channels at any time, thus altering who singsthe song, or which instruments are played. All types of combinations arepossible, and the mix of characters and instruments can change duringthe song. This technique can also be used for music alone where eachchannel may represent a different musical instrument, tempo, or beat.

                  EXAMPLE 4                                                       ______________________________________                                        CHANNEL                                                                       1        CHANNEL 2   CHANNEL 3   CHANNEL 4                                    "GREEN"  "YELLOW"    "RED"       "BLUE"                                       ______________________________________                                        Here is a                                                                              Same as     Same as     Same as                                      song you Channel 1   Channel 1   Channel 1                                    will like.                                                                    If you press                                                                  the                                                                           YELLOW                                                                        button, a                                                                     piano also                                                                    plays along.                                                                  Press RED                                                                     and a                                                                         trombone                                                                      joins in                                                                      also. Press                                                                   BLUE and                                                                      Snoopy sings                                                                  as well.                                                                      (CON-    (CON-       (CON-       (CON-                                        TINUOUS  TINUOUS     TINUOUS     TINUOUS                                      MUSIC    MUSIC       MUSIC       MUSIC WITH                                   PLAYS)   WITH        WITH        PIANO,                                                PIANO)      PIANO AND   TROMBONE,                                                         TROMBONE)   AND                                                                           SNOOPY)                                      Let's change                                                                           Same as     Same as     Same as                                      everything.                                                                            Channel 1   Channel 1   Channel 1                                    Now, if you                                                                   press                                                                         GREEN,                                                                        the music                                                                     will go                                                                       faster.                                                                       Push                                                                          YELLOW,                                                                       and big                                                                       drums come                                                                    in . . . (etc.)                                                               ______________________________________                                    

In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus may provide separate musicalinstruments or voice accompaniment to a particular piece of music on thevarious tracks of the media. In this configuration, the system wouldallow more than one multiple choice response to be selected at aparticular time, the various selected channels being mixed to providevariations on the same piece of music. For example, if the channels A,B, C, and D contained piano, guitar, trombone and flute versions of thesame music, if buttons A and C were depressed simultaneously, the musicwould be heard with piano and trombone only. If at any time during themusic button B were depressed, the guitar music would be added to theoutput heard by the child. If button A were released, only guitar andtrombone would be heard. Many different variations of this embodimentare foreseen.

If desired, the interactive apparatus of the present invention mayinclude a book with a content corresponding with the content of thestored conversations. The book might include pictures, for whichquestions will be asked, and the labels on the keys might be altered tocorrespond with the selections in the book. Additionally, if videooutput is to be used in an embodiment of the present invention, thevideo display might correspond with the questions asked in the course ofthe conversation. If it were desired to use a touch screen, the screendisplay might include labels for the multiple choice selections at thelocations of the multiple choice selection switches on the screen.

By way of example, the interactive apparatus of the present invention,as previously mentioned, could keep track of correct responses for acomplete interactive scenario, such as, for example, keeping track of 15consecutive right answers (the entire tape), offering a choice oftopics, and providing a reinforcement if all 15 questions are answeredcorrectly. In this program, which is Example 5, the child must answerthe first twelve questions all correctly in order to accompany the toyon its trip to the center of the Earth. Using methods outlinedpreviously, the users are separated into two categories: all correct,and everything else. As shown below, Channel 4 is for children whoanswered all twelve correctly, and therefore can go on the trip.(Channels 1, 2, and 3 were not all correct, and are told to rewind thetape and to try again to answer all 12 questions correctly. Childrenwould be told to rewind the tape and are reprimanded two separate timesif they don't.) On Channel 4, the apparatus then embarks on its journeyto the center of the Earth.

After the trip, the apparatus has three final questions for the child.Since it is known that everyone who went on the trip had to haveanswered the first twelve correctly, it now looks for three-in-a-rowcorrect in order to have all 15 questions in a row correct. In order todo this, the apparatus then asks Question 13, with answer choices forall channels being 1 (Ch 1), 2 (Ch 2), 3 (Ch 3), and 4 (Ch 4). Afteranswering, we know:

    ______________________________________                                        Ch 1:               Q13 wrong                                                 Ch 2:               Q13 wrong                                                 Ch 3:               Q13 right                                                 Ch 4:               Q13 wrong                                                 ______________________________________                                    

For Question 14, answer choices offered on Channels 1, 2, and 4 (got Q13 wrong) are A (Ch 2), B (Ch 3), and C (Ch 4); on Channel 3 (got Q13right), answer choices offered are 1 (Ch 1), 2 (Ch 2), and 3 (Ch 3).After answering Question 14, we are concerned mainly with Channel 1 (gotboth Q13 and Q14 correct). Channels 2, 3, and 4 contain mixtures ofright/wrong answers. For Question 15, on Channel 1 (got both right sofar) answer choices offered are A (Ch 2), B (Ch 3), and C (Ch 4); onChannels 2, 3, and 4, answer choices offered are 1 (Ch 1), 2 (Ch 2), and3 (Ch 3) .

After answering Question 15, we know that on Channel 3, the child cameclose to getting all 15 correct in that they missed Q15 after gettingQ13 and Q14 both correct. On Channel 4 we know that they got the last 3questions all correct. And on Channels 1 and 2 we only refer to how thechild did on Question 15, as their performance on Q13 and Q14 were anycombination other than both right.

The apparatus could then offer everyone a choice of a joke topic. OnChannels 2, 3, and 4 (did not get all 15 questions correct), topicchoices offered are A (Ch 2), B (Ch 3), and C (Ch 4). On Channel 1 (didget all 15 questions right), topic choices offered are 1 (Ch 1), 2 (Ch2), and 3 (Ch 3). The apparatus then tells the joke selected, and thengoes on to wrap up the program. On Channel 1, however, he is able tocongratulate the child on answering all 15 questions correctly. This isbecause only those children who answered the final three questions in arow correctly had the option to select Channel 1 (for a joke topic).Channel 1 does not, however, contain all of the children who had perfectperformance, since they also had options of choosing Channels 2 and 3for other joke topics.

By doing the above, the "memory power" on the interactive toy can extendto an entire tape.

                                      EXAMPLE 5                                   __________________________________________________________________________    QUESTION           A              B              C                            YES                NO             TRUE           FALSE                        1                  2              3              4                            __________________________________________________________________________    Let me review. Question number 1                                                                 Same as Ch 1   My memory bank are inform-                                                                   Same as Ch 3                 (beep), question number 2 (beep), ing me that you get question 1              question number 3 (beep), question                                                                              (beep) right, question 2 (beep),            number 4 (beep), question number 5                                                                              right, question 3 (beep) right,             (beep), question number 6 (beep), question 4 (beep) right,                    question number 7 (beep), question                                                                              question 5 (beep) right,                    number 8 (beep), question number 9                                                                              question 6 (beep) right,                    (beep), question number 10 (beep),                                                                              question 7 (beep) right,                    question number 11 (beep), question                                                                             question 8 (beep)                           number 12 (beep).                 right, question 9 (beep) right,                                               question 10 (beep) right,                                                                    12 (beep) right. Holy        Okay my memory banks are now                                                                     Same as Ch 1   question 11 (beep) right,                                                                    mackeral! Your have                                                           gotten                       informing me that you have not gotten                                                                           question 12 (beep) wrong!                                                                    all of my questions                                                           right.                       the answers to all of my questions                                                                              Oh, no! You missed                                                                           Congratulations to you.                                                       And                          correct. And therefore, you cannot go                                                                           question 12, after getting                                                                   you have now earned                                                           this                         on this trip to the center of the earth.                                                                        question 1 through 11                                                                        very exciting trip with                                                       me                           Let me tell you what you have to do.                                                                            I am sorry, that's too bad,                                                                  in a special craft to                                                         the                          You have to rewind this tape to the                                                                             next time I'm sure you'll                                                                    center of the earth. I                                                        don't                        beginning. That's right, we have to                                                                             remember the answer and                                                                      mind telling you that                                                         this trip                    start over. You have to remember  this question right also.                                                                    is very dangerous. I                                                          guess                        everything you can about these    am sorry       I'll go and you can                                                           stay                         questions so eventually you can get                                                                             You have to rewind this                                                                      here and help me by                                                           pressing                     them all correct and go with me to the                                                                          to the beginning. That's                                                                     my buttons. Or, then                                                          again,                       center of the earth to see Mother right, we have to start                                                                      maybe I could send you                                                        and                          Nature. What a great trip. Okay, so                                                                             You have to remember                                                                         I could stay here where      push the stop button, then push the                                                                             everything you can about                                                                     it's safe. Uh, I guess       rewind button all the way until the                                                                             these questions so eventually                                                                that won't work.             beginning of this cassette. See you later.                                                                      you can get them all                                                                         In any case, I'll go                                                          the                          Bye. Rewind NOW.                  correct and go with me to                                                                    reason the trip is very                                        center of the earth to                                                                       dangerous is to go to                                                         the                                                            Mother Nature. It's a                                                                        center of the earth                                                           first                                                          trip. Okay, so push the                                                                      we have to go through                                                         about                                                          stop button, then push                                                                       14 miles of the earth's                                                       crust                                                          rewind button all the way                                                                    which is rock and dirt.                                                       Then                                                           the beginning of this                                                                        we're going to enter                                                          the                                                            Okay, see you later. Bye.                                                                    mantle of the Earth,                                                          and                                                            Rewind NOW.    this is about 3,000          Question number 13. What                                                                         Same as Ch 1   Same as Ch 1   Same as Ch 1                 does "recycle" mean? Mother                                                   Nature told us to recycle, but what does                                      this word really mean?                                                        1) to ride a bicycle again, 2) to save                                        energy, 3) to use something again, or 4)                                      to eat cheese and lettuce. Please answer                                      1, 2, 3, or 4 NOW.                                                            FX Computer Sounds FX Computer Sounds                                                                           FX Computer    FX Computer                                                    Sounds         Sounds                       This is a very creative answer.                                                                  To save energy is a very good                                                                You are very smart. That's                                                                   You must be a comedian       Recycle - to ride a bike again. It sort                                                          guess, but not the right one. To                                                             probably why I got to                                                                        or something because                                                          you                          of makes sense but it is wrong. Recycle                                                          recycle means to use again and                                                               center of the earth,                                                                         can't possibly think                                                          that                         means to use something again and again.                                                          again. I am sorry.                                                                           and you sat comfortably                                                                      recycle means to eat                                                          cheese                                                         in front of me. Recycle                                                                      and lettuce. I am                                                             sorry.                                                         mean to use again. Good                                                                      Recycle means to use                                                          again and again.             Question number 14. Who are the best                                                             Same as Ch 1   Same as Ch 1   Same as Ch 1                 people to run our country? Here are                                           three choices:                                                                A) people who do not care about the                                                                             1) people who pass laws                                                                      Same as Ch 1                 earth, B) people who have an IQ of less                                                                         help protect the earth,                     than 80, C) people who will pass  2) people who do not care                   laws to help protect the earth. Please                                                                          about the earth, or 3) people               press A, B, or C NOW.             who have an IQ of less than                                                   80. Please press 1, 2, or 3                                                   NOW.                                        FX Computer Sounds FX Computer Sounds                                                                           FX Computer Sounds                                                                           FX Computer Sounds           Good answer. You are right. People                                                               You are wrong, of course. We                                                                 Of the three choices I                                                                       Same as Ch 1                 should run our country that care about                                                           should elect people to help                                                                  you, this answer is the                     the earth and help pass laws to protect                                                          run our country who will help                                                                funniest, but wrong, we would               it. Good answer.   the earth and pass laws to                                                                   elect people who help pass                                     protect it.    laws to protect the earth.                  Question number 15. If you were riding                                                           Question number 15. You are                                                                  Same as Ch 2   Same as Ch 2                 in a car and you were chewing gum,                                                               ridng in a car, and you                                    what should you do with the gum?                                                                 have finished drinking a                                   A) open the window and throw it out                                                              drink or are finished chewing                              as far as you can, B) stick it to                                                                gum, what should you do with                               the back of the driver's head, or C)                                                             it? Here are only two choices:                             put it away and throw it away in a                                                               1) put it away and throw it                                garbage can later. Please press                                                                  out later in a garbage can,                                A, B, or C NOW.    or 2) open the window and                                                     throw it out as far as you can.                                               Press 1 or 2 NOW.                                          FX Computer Sounds FX Computer Sounds                                                                           FX Computer Sounds                                                                           FX Computer Sounds           A very nice answer. This was the                                                                 I can only hope that you                                                                     Before I tell you if you                                                                     Let me check my              correct and very serious answer                                                                  are not telling the truth                                                                    are right or wrong, I'd                                                                      memory banks for a           to this question. You are right.                                                                 and are having fun with me.                                                                  like to check a memory                                                                       moment (Fx-memory                                                             tones).                      When you have garbage in a car or                                                                I cannot believe that you                                                                    (Fx-Memory tones). Ah,                                                                       Ah, just as I                                                                 suspected.                   on a train, or even on a bus, you                                                                really think that you should                                                                 as I suspected, you got                                                                      You knew that recycling      should put the garbage in your pocket                                                            open the widow and throw out                                                                 question 13 right, question                                                                  meant, you knew who the      and throw it out later when you                                                                  garbage. That's ridiculous.                                                                  14 right, but missed                                                                         best person to run the       come to a garbage can. This is the                                                               You should save it and put it                                                                question number 15. But                                                                      country was (beep), and      right and proper environmentally                                                                 in a garbage can later. I'm                                                                  t his was a very funny                                                                       you know what to do                                                           with                         sound thing to do. Your answer                                                                   sure you know this. I hope you                                                               You believe you should                                                                       garbage in a car. Good       is right.          do and I can only hope that                                                                  the gum on the back of                                                                       work you have gotten                            you were kidding and fooling                                                                 driver's head. Now                                                                           these last three                                around with me, 2-XL.                                                                        that's funny. That's                                                                         questions correct.                                             a funny answer. It's                                                                         That's very, very good                                         wrong, but funny                                                                             I am very proud of you                                                        and so would Mother                                                           Nature be. Good work.        Well, it is time for me to go, but                                                               Same as Ch 1   Same as Ch 1   Same as Ch 1                 before I do, I would like to                                                  give you one last joke and let                                                you choose the topic. After all,                                              I let Mother Nature choose a topic, so                                        I might as well let you chosse a topic                                        also.                                                                         Here are three topics to pick from: if           Here are three choices       you would like this joke to be about             of jokes that I will         tonsils, press A), a pencil, press B)            tell you. If you want a      or a shower, press C), Please pick               joke about the shower,       up your finger and press, A, B,                  press 1, tonsils, press      or C NOW.                                        2, or a pencil, press                                                         3.                                                                            Press 1, 2, or 3 NOW.        FX Computer Sounds FX Computer Sounds                                                                           FX Computer Sounds                                                                           FX Computer Sounds           You know what's interesting?                                                                     Now what type of person                                                                      Now, let's see here. You                                                                     Perhaps you                                                                   misunderstood                Many children who get my last three                                                              would pick a tonsil joke?                                                                    not want a shower joke,                                                                      me. This is a shower                                                          joke.                        questions right like you have                                                                    Come on, now, be serious.                                                                    you do not want a tonsil                                                                     Not many people pick a       picked a shower joke. I do not know                                                              A tonsil joke? Well,                                                                         joke, oh yes, you choose                                                                     shower joke once they        why. In any case, here is your joke.                                                             here's your joke. What                                                                       pencil joke. Well I have                                                                     know it's a shower                                                            joke.                        What kind of man does not get his                                                                did one tonsil say to the                                                                    bad news, I cannot tell                                                                      In any case, here's the      hair wet in the shower? Easy, a bald                                                             other tonsil? Get                                                                            a pencil joke because                                                                        joke. What type of man                                                        does                         man. (robot laughs)                                                                              dressed, honey, the doctor                                                                   many cases they do not                                                                       not get his hair wet in                                                       the                                             is taking us out tonight.                                                                    have a point!  shower? Easy, a bald                            (robot laughs) (robot laughs) man. (robot laughs)          Holy mackeral! I just noticed                                                                    Well its almost time for me to                                                               Same as Ch 2   Same as Ch 2                 something. My long-term memory                                                                   go. I hope you enjoyed this                                banks (Fx- Memory tones) are telling                                                             program on Planet Earth, and                               me that, assuming you have followed                                                              remember, if all the children                              all of my instructions properly, you                                                             of the world work very hard                                have answered all of the 15 questions                                                            to help save the earth, it will - in this program                             correctly. That's                                                                            then be a cleaner, nicer, and               incredible, wonderful, great and a                                                               better place for you to grow                               spectacular performance. Very                                                                    up. Well, its still almost                                 impressive work. I am proud to be                                                                time for me to go, not quite                               your partner.      but almost. But before I                                   Well, it's time for me to go. I hope                                                             go there is one last thing                                 you enjoyed this program on Planet                                                               I'd like to ask you.                                       Earth, and remember, if all the children                                      of the world work very hard to help                                           save the earth, you will save the earth.                                      Everything I said in this program                                                                Same as Ch 1   Same as Ch 1   Same as Ch 1                 was 100 percent true, accurate,                                               correct, and right, except I must                                             admit, I made up one little tiny                                              itsy bitsy part. What part of this                                            program do you think I                                                        __________________________________________________________________________

As previously mentioned, another aspect of the interactive toy of thepresent invention is the ability to keep information about the childover a long-term period by using a "code word." This feature isillustrated below in Example 6. The first question in the program ofExample 6 asks whether the child playing is a girl (A - Ch 2) or a boy(B - Ch 3). After answering, the categories are as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        Ch 1:            error - assumes girl                                         Ch 2:            girl                                                         Ch 3:            boy                                                          Ch 4:            error - assumes boy                                          ______________________________________                                    

Boys and girls are kept separate for Question 1, with the same breakdownas above. At this point, 2-XL tells the girls (Ch 1 & 2) to remember thecode word "bananas"; and tells the boys (Ch 3 & 4) to remember the codeword "apples." The two sexes are then mixed back together in Question 2,as the program continues.

Later, the child's sex is incorporated into the last question of theprogram. The apparatus asks the child to recall the code word given: 1 -bananas (Ch 1) or 2 - apples (Ch 2). (Channels and 4 are not offered aschoices, and if the child selects either by mistake, the child isreprimanded. The apparatus selects "bananas" as the choice.)

Assuming that the girls remembered their code word "bananas" and are nowon Channel 1, while the boys remembered "apples" and are now on Channel2, we proceed with the final question. Girls (Ch 1, 3 & 4) are offeredtopic choices of 1 - bicycles (Ch 1) and 2 - pets (CH 2). Boys areoffered 3 - bicycles (ch 3) and 4 - pets (Ch 4).

After selecting, we now know:

    ______________________________________                                        Ch 1:           girls & bicycle question                                      Ch 2:           girls & pet question                                          Ch 3:           boys & bicycle question                                       Ch 4:           boys & pet question                                           ______________________________________                                    

Regardless of the topic chosen, the girls (CH 1 & 2) are then offeredanswer choices of True (Ch 3) and False (CH 4). Boys (CH 3 & 4) areoffered 1 (CH 1) and 2 (CH 2).

After answering, we know:

    ______________________________________                                        Ch 1:        boys & wrong (don't know topic)                                  Ch 2:        boys & right (don't know topic)                                  Ch 3:        girls & right (don't know topic)                                 Ch 4:        girls & wrong (don't know topic)                                 ______________________________________                                    

The toy can then sign off of this program knowing the child's sex, whichmakes for a more personal, powerful conclusion (i.e, "Goodbye, littleboy.")

                                      EXAMPLE 6                                   __________________________________________________________________________    QUESTION        A               B               C                             YES             NO              TRUE            FALSE                         1               2               3               4                             __________________________________________________________________________    Thank you very much for turning                                                               Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  me on. I am your toy robot 2-XL,                                              and this program is called Fun                                                and Games. It will be my job                                                  to provide questions and games.                                               It will be your job to have fun.                                              As usual, please follow my                                                    instructions carefully. Only                                                  press the buttons I tell you                                                  to press and only after I                                                     say the word NOW. Before we                                                   begin I would like to know if                                                 you are a girl or a boy. If                                                   you are a girl, press A. If                                                   you are a boy, press B.                                                       Please press A or B NOW.                                                      FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            You have made an error. It                                                                    Thank you for answering my                                                                    Thank for answering my                                                                        You have made an error.       is important that you follow my                                                               question. I now know you are                                                                  question. I now know you                                                                      Please follow my.             instructions. I will have to                                                                  a little girl. Well, it is                                                                    a little boy. Well, it's                                                                      instructions carefully I                                                      will                          assume you are a girl since this                                                              nice to meet you. I am 2-XL,                                                                  nice to meet you. I am 2-XL,                                                                  have to assume you are a      button is closest to the girl                                                                 your robot, but I guess you                                                                   your toy robot, but I guess                                                                   boy since you pushed a                                                        button                        button.         already knew that.                                                                            you already knew that.                                                                        closest to the boy                                                            button.                       For questions 1, 2, 3, 4 and                                                                  Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  5, I would like to play a                                                     little game with you called                                                   "Name this Sound."                                                            In this game, I will play                                                     sounds for you and it will                                                    be your job to tell me where                                                  the sounds come from. As a                                                                    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  special treat, if you get all                                                 five of these questions                                                       correct, I will give you two                                                  extra jokes, plus a secret as                                                 a reward. Let's begin -                                                       question number 1. What is                                                    this the sound of?                                                            (FX-galloping horse)                                                          Pretty easy if you ask me.                                                    Here are only two choices:                                                    Was that the sound of 1) a drum,                                                              Same as Ch 1    Pretty easy if you ask me.                                                                    Same as Ch 3                  or 2) a horse running. Please   I'll make this a true or false                press 1 or 2 NOW.               question. True or false, that was                                             the sound of a drum. Press True                                               or False NOW.                                 FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            I guess this was not as easy                                                                  I guess I was right about                                                                     I guess I was wrong about                                                                     I guess I was right about                                                     this                          as I thought. I am sorry to                                                                   this being an easy question.                                                                  being an easy question for                                                                    being an easy question.                                                       False is                      report you are wrong. That was                                                                You are right. That was the                                                                   You are wrong. That was                                                                       correct. That was the                                                         sound of                      the sound of a horse running.                                                                 sound of a horse running.                                                                     sound of a horse running.                                                                     a horse running.              I now need you to do something                                                                Same as Ch 1    I now have something very                                                                     Same as Ch 3                  very important. Remember the    important for you to do. I need               code word bananas. Yes, your    you to remember the code word                 special code word to remember   apples. Yes, remember the code                is bananas.                     word apples.                                  You have made an error, so                                                                    You have chosen kangaroos,                                                                    You have chosen bears,                                                                        You have chose birds,         I will pick kangaroos, jumping,                                                               jumping, and you.                                                                             cubs and the zoo.                                                                             trees, and nests.             and you.                                                                      This poem is about a                                                                          Same as Ch 1    There are bears in the forest                                                                 I love to watch birds in      kangaroo. Everything I          bears in the zoo,                                                                             the sky, because they're      say happens to be true, A       Most bears are much bigger                                                                    so pretty when they fly.      kangaroo can jump real high,    me and you.     In tall trees birds                                                           build                         He can even jump over you.      Panda bears are black and                                                                     their nest Because                                                            that's                        A kangaroo needs open space,    Grizzly bears are dark as                                                                     where they like to rest.      to keep a smile on his face.    Polar bears live in snow and                                                                  Birds come in all shapes                                                      and                                                           But Koala bears think                                                                         sizes too --                  He hops around from place to    Australia's nice.                                                                             and all different colors      place, And never needs to tie   Bears like to fish - like                                                                     from red to blue.             a lace.                         do!             Birds, like the flamingo,                                                     are                           He's happy when he's free.      some like to hunt and go                                                                      very tall,                    At least, that's what he        swimming to.    And birds, like the                                                           sparrow,                      tells me.                       "Cub" is what we call a                                                                       are quite small.              Australia is a kangaroo's home. bear,           Some birds like to live                                                       on land,                      I hope you like your little poem.                                                                             Cubs are cute and have fuzzy                                                                  Some birds think that the                                                     sea is                                                        hair.           grand.                                                        I hope you liked this little                                                                  I hope that you liked                                                         these                                                         You can pick another, if                                                                      words,                                                        like, next time.                                                                              because this poem was                                                         all                                                                           about birds.                  You see, your robot is a little                                                               Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  poet - and didn't even know                                                   it! (robot laughs)                                                            Let's get back to business                                                                    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  here. I want to know if you                                                   can remember the special                                                      code word I gave you at                                                       the beginning of this                                                         program. If your special                                                      code word was bananas,                                                        press 1). If your special                                                     code word was apples,                                                         press 2). Please press 1                                                      or 2 NOW.                                                                     FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            Thank you for your cooperation.                                                               Same as Ch 1    You have made an error. And                                                                   Same as Ch 3                  I am getting a little tired now,                                                                              you make errors, it makes me                  so this will be you last question.                                                                            make errors. Please follow                                                    instructions.                                 For this question, I will give                                                                Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  you a choice of topics. If you                                                would like this question to be                                                about bicycles, press 1). Pets,                                                               bicycles, press 3), or pets,                                                                  Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  press 2). Please press 1 or                                                                   press 4). Press 3 or 4 NOW.                                   1 NOW.                                                                        FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            This will be a true or false                                                                  This will be a true or false                                                                  Here is your bicycle question                                                                 Here is your question on                                                      the                           question on the topic that you                                                                question on the topic that                                                                    as you requested. If you have                                                                 topic that you selected.                                                      In                            selected, so please use my True                                                               you selected, so please use my                                                                bicycle with three wheels,                                                                    America each hour, how                                                        many                          or False buttons. True or false,                                                              True or False buttons. True or                                                                what is it called?                                                                            baby puppies are born?                                                        Here                          a bicycle with three wheels is                                                                false, every hour in America,                                                                 here are two choices: 1)                                                                      are two choices: 1) 100       called a tricycle. Please pick                                                                over 10,000 brand new, new-born                                                               a scooter, or 2) a tricycle.                                                                  puppies, or 2) 10,000                                                         puppies.                      up your pointer finger and press                                                              puppies are born. Answer                                                                      Please pick up your pointer                                                                   Please answer 1 or 2                                                          NOW.                          True or False NOW.                                                                            True or False NOW.                                                                            finger and press 1 or 2 NOW.                  FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            You may want to trade in                                                                      Put me in front of the                                                                        Same as Ch 2    Same as Ch 1                  your brain for a hand-held                                                                    entire family - plus the                                      calculator. You are wrong, I am                                                               postman, so I can tell them                                   sorry to report. Too bad                                                                      how smart you are. Good work                                  Well, it is time for me to go.                                                                Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  I just wanted to mention three                                                things: 1) the next time you                                                  play this program, push different                                             buttons, and you will get                                                     different answers. 2) I hope                                                  you did your job and had fun.                                                 And 3) thank you very much for                                                                Same as Ch 1    And 3), thank you very much,                                                                  Same as Ch 3                  working with me, little boy.    little girl, for working with me.             Goodbye and please push my                                                                    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  stop button and then my rewind                                                button NOW.                                                                   (FX-computer noises)                                                          I am still on. Please turn                                                                    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  me off NOW. (FX-computer                                                      noises)                                                                       Uh, oh. I am still on. Please                                                                 Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  turn me off NOW. (computer                                                    noises)                                                                       ALARM           ALARM           ALARM           ALARM                           END             END             END             END                         __________________________________________________________________________

Another example of the tremendous power and flexibility of theinteractive conversational apparatus of the present invention over myprior patented apparatus, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,316is the ability to provide a number of choices to the child which isgreater than the number of available channels. Although such anobjective has been achieved by me in connection with my patentedinteractive television systems discussed previously herein, such systemsall required a microprocessor. With the system of the present invention,no microprocessor is employed. For example, as shown below in Example 7,a child may be given six choices to pick from at one time while usingonly four channels and four answer buttons. In the following example,the toy offers the child a choice of six jokes. They are offered in twogroups of threes, with answer choices as follows: 1 - Joke #1 (Ch 1);2 - Joke #2 (Ch 2); 3-Joke #3 (Ch 3); or 4 - wait to hear other joketopics (Ch 4).

After choosing, Channels 1, 2 and 3 deliver their jokes, as promised.Meanwhile, on Channel 4 the next 3 topics are offered, as follows: A -Joke #4 (Ch 2); B - Joke #5 (Ch 3); and C -Joke #6 (Ch 4). At the momentof choices, note that Channels 2 and 3 (used to hear Jokes 2 and 3) areasked to push the Question button (Ch 1), while Channel 1 (Joke 1) istold to wait. This combines all of the jokes told so far (Jokes 1, 2,and 3) onto Channel 1 and frees up Channels 2 and 3 for use by Jokes 4and 5. PG,52

After answering, the breakdown is as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        Ch 1:          filler for Jokes 1, 2, and 3                                   Ch 2:          Joke 4                                                         Ch 3:          Joke 5                                                         Ch 4:          Joke 6                                                         ______________________________________                                    

The program then continues as usual. This process, of course, can beused to provide six answer choices for a question, select from sixdifferent songs, and can easily be extended (using the same principalsdescribed above) to nine answer choices. (Using the principals describedabove, any number of answer choices can be provided. Each additionalgroup of three requires a concomitant delay time but this process has notheoretical limitation.)

                                      EXAMPLE 7                                   __________________________________________________________________________    QUESTION        A               B               C                             YES             NO              TRUE            FALSE                         1               2               3               4                             __________________________________________________________________________    Thank you, the smart and nice,                                                                Same as Ch 1    Hold on to me please. We                                                                      Same as Ch 3                  2-XL and partners at home. And  about to travel back to the                   thanks for letting me slip in my                                                                              present.                                      banana joke.                                                                  No problemo, I'm glad you got                                                 to slip in your joke. Please hold                                             on to me, we are about to travel                                              back to the present.                                                          (FX-Time machine sounds)                                                                      (FX-Time machine sounds)                                                                      (FX-Time machine sounds)                                                                      (FX-Time machine sounds)      We are back. Let's take a                                                                     Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  little joke break. I will give you                                            a choice of six jokes and                                                     you pick the topic of the joke                                                you want me to tell you.                                                      Here are the first three                                                      choices: if you want this joke to                                             be about the invisible man, press                                             1), about Daniel Boone, press 2),                                             a teacher, press 3). Or if you                                                want to wait for three other                                                  topics, press 4). Press my                                                    buttons NOW.                                                                  FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            What does the invisible man                                                                   How does Daniel Boone spell                                                                   What does and eye doctor and                                                                  Here are three more                                                           choices                       drink at snack time? Easy,                                                                    Indian tent with two letters?                                                                 teacher have in common? They                                                                  for your. If you want         evaporated milk. (robot laughs)                                                               Easy, T-P. (teepee -                                                                          both test pupils (robot                                                                       this joke to be about a                                                       car                                           robot laughs)                   radio, press A), a                                                            knock-knock                   I now need you to do something                                                                I now need a favor. Please press                                                              Same as Ch 2    joke, press B), or a joke                                                     about                         very simple - wait, do                                                                        the Question button NOW.        an astronaut, press C).                                                       Please                        absolutely nothing                              pick up your pointer                                                          finger                                                                        and press A, B, or C                                                          NOW.                          FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            I hope you enjoyed your joke.                                                                 What tune does a car radio play?                                                              Knock, knock. Who's there?                                                                    What is an astronaut                                                          sandwich                      Remember, the next time you                                                                   that's easy, a car-turn (cartoon).                                                            Boo. Boo who? Oh, don't                                                                       made from? Launch             play this program, you can                                                                    (robot laughs)  (robot laughs)  meat. (robot laughs)          pick from three other jokes that                                              I will give you.                                                              Let's get back to business here.                                                              Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  If you would like us to talk to                                               George Washington, press A).                                                  Or if you would prefer Orville                                                Wright, press B). Please                                                      press A or B NOW.                                                             FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            You have made an error, so I                                                                  Let's now go back almost                                                                      Let's now go back almost                                                                      Same as Ch 1                  will surprise you when we get                                                                 200 years to talk with George                                                                 years to talk with Orville                    there. Hold on. Washington.     Wright.                                       (FX-Time machine sounds)                                                                      (FX-Time machine sounds)                                                                      (FX-Time machine sounds)                                                                      (FX-Time machine              __________________________________________________________________________                                                    sounds)                   

Still another example is illustrated below in Example 8 in which thesystem can keep track of both right and wrong answer streakssimultaneously. In the below example a reward is offered for answeringthree questions in a row correctly, as well as a "consolation" prize foranswering the same three questions all incorrectly. In addition, thechild is given two chances to answer the first two questions correctly.

This example has the added objective of "rewarding" children who missall three questions, as well as those who get all three correct. So, wewill be working with three categories:

    ______________________________________                                        Category 1:   all three correct                                               Category 2:   all three incorrect                                             Category 3:   any mixture of correct/incorrect.                               ______________________________________                                    

Question 20 (the first of the three questions) is the same on all fourchannels. The correct answer is choice 2, which sends the child toChannel 2. The other three channels are incorrect answers.

For the second question (Question 21), two different questions areasked, based on how the child did on Question 20. On Channel 2 (gotQuestion 20 right), answer choices for Question 21 are 1 (Ch 1) and 2(Ch 2). On Channels 1, 3, and 4 (missed Question 20), answer choices areTrue (Ch 30 and False (Ch 4). After answering Question 21, we know:

    ______________________________________                                        Ch 1:     got Q20 right/got Q21 wrong (Category 3)                            Ch 2:     got Q20 right/got Q21 right (Category 1)                            Ch 3:     got Q20 wrong/got Q21 wrong (Category 2)                            Ch 4:     got Q20 wrong/got Q21 right (Category 3)                            ______________________________________                                    

For question 22, on Channels 1 and 4 (not eligible for reward orconsolation), answer choices offered are A (Ch 2) and B (Ch 3). OnChannel 2 (both right), answer choices are 1 (Ch 1), 2 (Ch 2), and 3 (Ch3). And on Channel 3 (both wrong), answer choices are True (Ch 3) andFalse (Ch 4). After answering Question 22, we know:

    ______________________________________                                        Ch 1:    got all 3 right - gets reward                                        Ch 2:    Category 3 (mixed) no reward or consolation                          Ch 3:    Category 3 (mixed) no reward or consolation                          Ch 4:    got all 3 wrong - gets consolation                                   ______________________________________                                    

Please note that because Channels 2 and 3 contain such a mixture ofvariables, 2-XL does not even acknowledge whether they got Question 22right or wrong, and just gives them 2 answer points regardless (this isnot part of the reward or consolation).

                                      EAMPLE 8                                    __________________________________________________________________________    QUESTION        A               B               C                             YES             NO              TRUE            FALSE                         1               2               3               4                             __________________________________________________________________________    For questions 20, 21, and 22,                                                                 Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  I'd like to do something a little                                             different, if you get all three                                               right, I will give you 4 extra                                                points as a bonus, plus 2 jokes. If                                           you get all three wrong, I will                                               give you 2 extra points as a                                                  boo-boo prize, plus 1 joke to                                                 make you feel better. For                                                     questions 20 and 21 only, I                                                   will give you two chances at the                                              answer to make it even easier.                                                Okay, here we go. Question 20.                                                                Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  In football, what is the most                                                 important piece of equipment that                                             a player wears? 1) ankle pads,                                                2) helmet, 3) spinal brace, or                                                4) knee pads. Press 1, 2,                                                     3, or 4 NOW.                                                                  FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            Come here, you are wrong.                                                                     A slight power failure, don't                                                                 Psssst. You are wrong.                                                                        Same as Ch 1                  Choose a different answer                                                                     worry, I'll fix it. Do                                                                        Choose a different                            NOW.            nothing.        answer NOW.                                   FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            I have given you two chances,                                                                 Your brain is operating properly,                                                             Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  and you are still wrong. The                                                                  you have answered helmet and                                  helmet is the most important                                                                  you are right. This is the most                               piece of equipment for a football                                                             important piece of equipment                                  player. Take zero points.                                                                     for a football player. Take                                   Question 21. Is this story True                                                               two points. Question number 21.                                                               Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  or False? In 1945, because                                                                    The worst sport disaster in                                   of the war, a Canadian                                                                        history happened in 1982, where                               professional hockey team used                                                                 340 people died leaving a soccer                              a woman goalie instead of a man.                                                              game. In what country did this                                If you thing this story is                                                                    occur? 1) Germany, or 2)                                      true, press True. If it's not                                                                 Russia. Press 1 or 2 NOW.                                     true, press False. Please press                                               true or false NOW.                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            You are going to love this.                                                                   A little power failure folks,                                                                 You are going to love this.                                                                   Same as Ch 2                  You are wrong, but you may                                                                    don't worry, do not panic.                                                                    have pressed true but this is                 pick another answer so choose                                                                 Please stand by. Do nothing.                                                                  wrong. Go ahead an press true                 1 or 2 NOW.                     or false again NOW.                           FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            This is pretty darn amazing if                                                                Sorry, for the slight delay, but                                                              Same as Ch 1    I am a little                                                                 disappointed                  you ask me. I have given you                                                                  sometimes power failures do     in me, because I could                                                        not                           two tries, and yet there were                                                                 happen to robots. In any        fool you. I made up this                                                      entire                        only two choices, and you still                                                               case I am happy to report       story about a woman                                                           goalie                        are wrong! This is incredible.                                                                you are right. This sports      in a hockey game. I                                                           should                        You deserve pints just for doing                                                              disaster happened in Moscow,    be ashamed but I could                                                        not                           this. So take one point for being                                                             Russia in Lenin Stadium in      fool you. Good work, and                                                      for                           wrong on a question where there                                                               the year 1982, after            this good work, you may                                                       take                          were only two choices and I                                                                   a soccer game. Good work.       3 points. Write down          gave you two tries.                                                                           You may take 3 points.          3 point.                      Congratulations on this. Hold                                                                 Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  on for a moment while I check                                                 my memory banks. Do nothing.                                                  (FX-Memory Tones)                                                                             (FX-Memory Tones)                                                                             (FX-Memory Tones)                                                                             (FX-Memory Tones)             My memory banks are informing                                                                 My memory banks are informing                                                                 My memory banks are informing                                                                 My memory banks are                                                           inform-                       me that you got the answer                                                                    me that you got the answers                                                                   me that you got the answers                                                                   ing me that you got the                                                       answer                        to question 20 right, but 21                                                                  to questions 20 and 21 both                                                                   questions 20 and 21 both                                                                      to question 20 wrong. But                                                     you                           wrong. And therefore, you                                                                     right. So that means one more                                                                 which is sort of amazing                                                                      have improved and got                                                         the                           cannot earn either the bonus                                                                  answer right, and you will have                                                               considering everything I                                                                      answer to question 21                                                         right. - for getting all                                                      three right, earned those                                                     4 points and two given                                                        you. And that means                                                           if You cannot earn bonus                                                      points                        or all three wrong. So all                                                                    jokes as a bonus. Good luck on                                                                you get one more wrong,                                                                       for either getting all                                                        three                         you can do at this point                                                                      question number 22.                                                                           will have earned those two                                                                    questions right, or all                                                       three                         is to try hard. Get this        points, and one joke as a                                                                     questions wrong. So good                                                      luck                          answer right and get those points.                                                                            prize. So bad luck on question                                                                on Question 22.                                               22.                                           You may be interested to know                                                                 As you know, sit-ups are a good                                                               True or false, a man named                                                                    Same as Ch 1                  that I am in a pretty good mood,                                                              form of exercise. Well, Marine                                                                Robert Foster broke the world's               so I will only give you two                                                                   Captain Wayne Rollings began                                                                  record for holding his breath                 changes, and I'll even give                                                                   doing sit-ups and did not stop                                                                under water for staying under                 you .sub.-- points whether you                                                                until he broke the world's                                                                    water for over 13 and three-                  get this one right or wrong.                                                                  record. What do you think the                                                                 quarter minutes by the way                    Here comes my easy question                                                                   world's record is. Here are three                                                             don't you ever try this, because it                           choices 1) 17,000 sit-ups,                                                                    could be very, very dangerous.                The super Bowl in football is                                                                 2) 25,000 or 3) 31,000 sit-ups.                                                               In any case, was that story true              played on what day of the                                                                     Answer 1, 2, or 3 NOW.                                                                        or false. Pick up your finger and             week? A) Wednesday or B)        answer true or false NOW.                     Sunday. Please answer A or                                                    B NOW.                                                                        FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            I have some good news and                                                                     Instead of telling you if you are                                                             Same as Ch 2    I have some bad news                                                          which                         some better news. The good                                                                    right or wrong. I have decided  may really be good news.                                                      the                           news is you are right. 17,000                                                                 to you give two points no       bad news is the answer to                                                     this                          push-ups is the right answer.                                                                 matter what, and give you this  question was true. You                                                        have                          Take 3 points. The better news                                                                next question. Question 22      answered false so you                                                         are                           is my memory banks have                                                                       and a half. In a golf game,     wrong and can take zero       informed me that you have                                                                     who is the winner, A) the                                                                     Same as Ch 2    points. But my memory                                                         banks                         answered question 20, 21,                                                                     person with the highest score   have informed me that                                                         you                           and 22 all correct. And therefore,                                                            or B) the person with the lowest                                                                              have answered question                                                        20,                           you also earn 4 extras points                                                                 score. Answer A or B NOW.       21, and 22 all wrong,                                                         and                           as a bonus, plus two jokes.                                                                   FX Computer Sounds              therefore,                                                                    congratulations,              Congratulations, you are                        because you get the                                                           booby                         a genius.                                       extra points - put them                                                       down,                         What has 18 legs and catches                                                                  Perhaps your brain is taking                                                                  FX Computer Sounds                                                                            prize of two plus one                                                         joke.                         flies? A baseball                                                                             a quick catnap. I am sorry      Here's your joke. Did                                                         you                           team! (robot laughs)                                                                          to report you are wrong. In                                                                   Robots are very rarely impressed                                                              know americans are                                                            getting                       When is a cook mean? when                                                                     golf the person with the lowest                                                               with people, but this is the                                                                  stronger? 20 years ago,       he whips the butter and beats                                                                 score wins. I am sorry. Please                                                                answer. Very good work.                                                                       it took two people to                                                         carry                         the eggs! (robot laughs)                                                                      take zero points. And better                                                                  winner in a golf game is                                                                      ten dollars worth of                                                          groceries,                                    luck on this next question.                                                                   person with the lowerst                                                                       today a five year old                                         You are right, and for being                                                                  can do it. (robot                                                             laughs)                                                       right, you can take two points.                                               That's right, two points.                     Question 23. In professional                                                                  Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  basketball how many personal                                                  fouls is a player allowed before                                              he is thrown out of the game?                                                 A) 4 fouls, B) 6 fouls, or C)                                                 8 fouls. Answer A, B, or C                                                    NOW.                                                                          FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            Your brain must be falling apart                                                              Your brain nust be falling apart                                                              Kareem Abduhl Jabar would                                                                     Same as Ch 2                  at the seams, 6 fouls is the                                                                  at the seams. You are wrong, 6                                                                proud of you. 6 fouls is correct.             right answer. Please write down                                                               fouls is the right answer. Please                                                             Good answer. You may take                     zero points.    write down zero points.                                                                       three points.                                 Question number 24. Since                                                                     Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  keeping score is a very                                                       important part of sports,                                                     I would like to see if you                                                    know which question I skipped                                                 in this program so far. If                                                    you do know what question I                                                   skipped press YES. If you                                                     do not know, press NO.                                                        Press YES or NO NOW.                                                          FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds            You have answered Yes and I                                                                   You have answered No and I                                                                    It is important that you                                                                      Same as Ch 3                  believe you. Take two                                                                         cannot give you any points.                                                                   instructions. I skipped question              points, for knowing that                                                                      Please take zero points. For                                                                  14, and since you did not know                I skipped question 14. Good                                                                   your information, I skipped                                                                   that and you did not follow my                work. You are paying attention.                                                               question 14. That's right,                                                                    instructions, take zero points.                               question 14.                                                  Please hold on for a moment,,                                                                 Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1    Same as Ch 1                  I have a fax message coming                                                   in (FX-Fax machine)                                                           Ah, I have a special interview                                                                Same as Ch 1    Ah, this message is informing                                                                 Same as Ch 3                  with one of the best athletes   that I have a special interview               in the world in my memory       with one of the best athletes in              banks. If you would like to     the world in my memory banks.                 hear this interview, press      If you would like to hear this                Yes. If you would not like      interview, press Yes. If you                  to hear this interview, and     would not like to hear this                   instead get other questions,    interview, and instead hear other             press No. Press yes or no NOW.  questions, Press No. Press yes                                                or no NOW.                                    FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer Sounds                                                                            FX Computer                   __________________________________________________________________________                                                    Sounds                    

Although the present invention has been described in detail with respectto certain embodiments and examples, variations and modifications existwhich are within the scope of the present invention as defined in thefollowing claims, such as using voice response mechanisms or remotecontrol devices to determine which choice has been selected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A real-time interactive conversational apparatuswhich comprises:means for removably receiving and selectively playing atleast one of a plurality of storage media at a given time, each of saidplurality of removably receivable and selectively playable storage mediacontaining a different interactive conversational content and comprisinga plurality of temporally related data storage tracks containinginformation, said means for selectively playing a removably receivedstorage media at said given time comprising means for substantiallysimultaneously retrieving the information from each of said data storagetracks; and multiple choice selection means for randomly accessing oneof said tracks of said removably received storage media for retrievingthe information stored thereon for enabling said selective playing ofsaid retrieved information, the information being stored on each trackin a plurality of information segments, each of said segments comprisinga complete message reproducible by said retrieval means directly inresponse to the selection of the track upon which said segments arestored, each of said information segments comprising interrogatorieshaving multiple choice selectable responses, responsive messages,informational messages, or combinations thereof related in real-time andcontent to information contained in at least one information segment ofat least one track at a prior time, said information stored on saidtracks in a predetermined timed sequence according to a decision-treefor providing different interactive pathways through said trackscomprising a continuous flow of interactive conversations across saidtracks dependent on said multiple choice selectable responses, each ofat least one information segment on each of at least two of saidplurality of tracks comprising an interrogatory having multiple choiceselectable responses corresponding with associated information segments,said associated information segments comprising responsive messagesrelated in real-time and content to said interrogatory, saidcorrespondence determinable according to said decision-tree, saidselecting playing means selectively playing an information segment fromsaid accessed one of said tracks.
 2. A real-time interactiveconversational apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthe information onat least one of said data storage tracks comprises combinations ofinterrogatories and responsive messages.
 3. A real-time interactiveconversational apparatus according to claim 1 whereinat least one ofsaid pathways comprises a special pathway, said information segmentsalong said special pathway recalling the content of at least a portionof the prior information segments along said special pathway, forexhibiting a pseudo-memory of at least a portion of said multiple choiceselectable responses.
 4. A real-time interactive conversationalapparatus according to claim 3 whereinmore than one of said pathwayscomprises a special pathway, said information segments along each ofsaid more than one special pathway recalling the content of at least aportion of the prior information segments along said more than onespecial pathway, said more than one special pathway existingsimultaneously on said decision-tree, for simultaneously exhibiting apseudo-memory of at least a portion of said multiple choice selectableresponses for each of said more than one special pathway.
 5. A real-timeinteractive conversational apparatus according to claim 4 whereineachspecial pathway exhibits recall of at least a portion of said multiplechoice selectable responses after at least three consecutiveinterrogatories.
 6. A real-time interactive conversational apparatus inaccordance with claim 3 wherein at least two of said pathways comprisesaid special pathways, one of said special pathways corresponding tosolely correct responses to a plurality of successive interrogatories,the other of said special pathways corresponding to solely incorrectresponses to said plurality of successive interrogatories.
 7. Areal-time interactive conversational apparatus according to claim 1,whereinsaid temporally related data storage tracks comprise a magneticstorage media having a plurality of coextensive tracks wherein saidmeans for retrieving the information comprises magnetic storage mediareading means corresponding with each of said plurality of coextensivetracks.
 8. A real-time interactive conversational apparatus inaccordance with claim 1 wherein a plurality of said information segmentscomprise a complete interactive scenario; at least one of said pathwaysin said decision tree comprising a special logical pathway reservedsolely for correct choices comprising said complete interactivescenario, at least one of said information segments along said speciallogical pathway at a predetermined point in said decision tree after apredetermined number of said multiple choice selectable responses insaid complete interactive scenario have occurred providing a responsivemessage recalling that all of said preceding choices in said completeinteractive scenario have been responded to correctly, the otheravailable interactive pathways in said decision tree at saidpredetermined point providing responsive messages indicative of afailure to correctly respond to all of said preceding choices in saidcomplete interactive scenario; whereby pseudo-memory is provided forsaid complete interactive scenario.
 9. A real-time interactiveconversational apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein saidpredetermined number of said multiple choice selectable responsescomprises twelve.
 10. A real-time interactive conversational apparatusin accordance with claim 8 wherein said decision tree comprises furtherinteractive pathways beyond said predetermined point for extending saidcomplete interactive scenario from said special logical pathway forproviding subsequent multiple choice selectable responses in saidextended complete interactive scenario as a reward for being on saidspecial logical pathway at said predetermined point, said speciallogical pathway being extended in said decision tree from saidpredetermined point for correct choices to said subsequent multiplechoice selectable responses; whereby said pseudo-memory may be extendedto the end of said complete interactive scenario.
 11. A real-timeinteractive conversational apparatus in accordance with claim 1 whereinat least two of said interactive pathways in said decision tree at afirst predetermined point in said decision tree correspond toinformation segments for providing a different code word messageassociated with each of said two interactive pathways for subsequent useat a second predetermined point in said decision tree, said multiplechoice selectable responses available at said second predetermined pointin said decision tree being dependent on recollection of said previouslyprovided code word; whereby said code word may be employed to providelong term memory capabilities.
 12. A real-time interactiveconversational apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein a pluralityof multiple choice selectable responses share a common data storagetrack while a plurality of multiple choice selectable responses to apreceding interrogatory are simultaneously being provided on a pluralityof other data storage tracks for providing a greater number ofselectable choices than the number of available data storage tracks. 13.In an improved real-time interactive conversational apparatus havingamagnetic storage media having a plurality of coextensive audio trackshaving audio information stored thereon for audio playback therefrom; amulti-track audio playback means for simultaneously obtaining saidstored audio information from each of said coextensive tracks; multiplechoice selection means operatively connected to said playback means fordirectly selecting one of said tracks for selectively playing theinformation stored thereon; and audio output means operatively connectedto said playback means and said direct selection means for directlyproviding said selected track information from said simultaneouslyobtained stored audio information for selectively reproducing saidinformation as an audio output therefrom, said information being storedon each track in a plurality of reproducible information segments, eachof said segments comprising a complete message reproducible by saidplayback means directly in response to the selection of said track uponwhich said segments are stored; wherein the improvement comprises: meansfor removably receiving at least one of a plurality of said storagemedia, each of said removably receivable storage media containing adifferent interactive conversational content, the stored information oneach of the tracks of said removably receivable storage media capable ofcomprising interrogatories having multiple choice selectable responses,responsive messages, informative messages or combinations thereof, saidinformation stored on said tracks in a predetermined timed sequenceaccording to a decision-tree to allow a track invariant continuous flowof interactive conversation responsive to said multiple choiceselectable responses, and each of at least one information segment on atleast two of said plurality of tracks comprises a particularinterrogatory having multiple choice selectable responses correspondingwith respective associated information segments, said respectiveassociated information segments comprising responsive messages relatedin real-time and content to said particular interrogatory, saidcorrespondence determinable according to said decision-tree.
 14. Amethod for providing a real-time interactive conversation whichcomprisesproviding a magnetic storage media having plurality ofcoextensive audio tracks having audio information stored thereon foraudio playback therefrom; providing a multi-track audio playback meansfor simultaneously obtaining said stored audio information from each ofsaid coextensive tracks, said playback means removably receiving one ofa plurality of said storage media, each of said storage media containinga different interactive conversational content; providing multiplechoice selection means operatively connected to said playback means fordirectly selecting one of said tracks for reproducing said selectedinformation stored thereon; providing audio output means operativelyconnected to said playback means and said direct selection means forreproducing said selected information on a selected track as an audiooutput therefrom; storing said information on said tracks in apredetermined timed sequence following a decision-tree relationship toallow a track invariant continuous flow of interactive conversationresponsive to multiple choice selectable responses to interrogatoriescontained in said information, said multiple choice selectable responsescorresponding with associated tracks, said decision-tree including apathway containing a series of interrogatories, each interrogatoryhaving a correct multiple choice response and at least one incorrectmultiple choice response, said pathway followable only by multiplechoice selection of the correct response to a particular interrogatoryon said series of interrogatories; determining from said decision-treewhen a plurality of said series of interrogatories have been correctlyresponded to; providing messages along said pathway, said messageshaving a differing content corresponding with the number of correctresponses to said plurality of interrogatories; and playing back saidmagnetic storage media, said audio output means reproducing theinformation on tracks associated with the multiple choice responses tosaid interrogatories.
 15. A method for providing real-time interactiveconversation in accordance with claim 14 wherein a plurality of saidinformation segments comprise a complete interactive scenario, saidmethod further comprising:providing a special logical pathway in saiddecision tree reserved solely for correct choices comprising saidcomplete interactive scenario; providing as at least one of saidinformation segments along said special logical pathway at apredetermined point in said decision tree after a predetermined numberof said multiple choice selectable responses in said completeinteractive scenario have occurred a responsive message recalling thatall of said preceding choices in said complete interactive scenario havebeen responded to correctly, providing as the other availableinteractive pathways in said decision tree at said predetermined pointresponsive messages indicative of a failure to correctly respond to allof said preceding choices in said complete interactive scenario; wherebypseudo-memory is provided for said complete interactive scenario.
 16. Amethod for providing a real-time interactive conversation in accordancewith claim 14 further comprising providing said decision tree withfurther interactive pathways beyond said predetermined point forextending said complete interactive scenario from said special logicalpathway for providing subsequent multiple choice selectable responses insaid extended complete interactive scenario as a reward for being onsaid special logical pathway at said predetermined point, said speciallogical pathway being extended in said decision tree from saidpredetermined point for correct choices to said subsequent multiplechoice selectable responses; whereby said pseudo-memory may be extendedto the end of said complete interactive scenario.
 17. A method forproviding a real-time interactive conversation in accordance with claim14 further comprising providing at least two of said interactivepathways in said decision tree at a first predetermined point in saiddecision tree corresponding to information segments for providing adifferent code word message associated with each of said two interactivepathways for subsequent use at a second predetermined point in saiddecision tree, said multiple choice selectable responses available atsaid second predetermined point in said decision tree being dependent onrecollection of said previously provided code word; whereby said codeword may be employed to provide long term memory capabilities.
 18. Amethod for providing a real-time interactive conversation whichcomprisesproviding a magnetic storage media having plurality ofcoextensive audio tracks having audio information stored thereon foraudio playback therefrom; providing a multi-track audio playback meansfor simultaneously obtaining said stored audio information from each ofsaid coextensive tracks, said playback means removably receiving one ofa plurality of said-storage media, each of said storage media containinga different interactive conversational content; providing multiplechoice selection means operatively connected to said playback means andcontrollable by a child for directly selecting one of said tracks forreproducing said selected information stored thereon; providing audiooutput means operatively connected to said playback means and saidmultiple choice selection means for reproducing said selectedinformation on a selected track as an audio output therefrom; storingsaid information on said tracks in a predetermined timed sequencefollowing a decision-tree relationship to allow a track invariantcontinuous flow of interactive conversation responsive to multiplechoice selectable responses to interrogatories contained in saidinformation, said multiple choice selectable responses correspondingwith associated tracks, said decision-tree comprising at least onespecial pathway, corresponding to a series of particular multiple choiceresponses to a series of particular interrogatories, informationsegments along said special pathway capable of recalling the content ofat least a portion of the prior information segments along said specialpathway, so as to exhibit a pseudo-memory of at least a portion of saidparticular multiple choice responses; storing on said tracks in a timedrelationship at least a plurality of interrogatories with respectivemultiple choice responses, said interrogatories and respective multiplechoice responses related according to said decision tree to form aspecial pathway, the content of at least a portion of said relatedinterrogatories each having a differing content corresponding with thecontent of at least a portion of said memory of multiple choiceresponses; playing back said magnetic storage media, said audio outputmeans reproducing the information on tracks associated with the multiplechoice responses to said interrogatories, said playback means providinginteractive conversation and exhibiting said pseudo-memory in responseto multiple choice selections corresponding to said series of particularresponses associated with said at least one special pathway.